Laura Always Loved A Party, so let's give one every year to remember her...

boomie said:

I plan on attending the viewing but can't make the funeral. I'd really love to come by after work though, for the repast, to be with all of you to celebrate Laura. Art is that ok? I don't care about food and drink but if others are in the same situation perhaps a separate count for that ?

Many of us are doing just that boomie. And since this gathering is for Laura so you better care about food and drink a bit. ;-) It is Art's intention to keep the repast open until the last person leaves, no matter the time. And to make a comfortable place for the family to gather and relax and celebrate the life of Laura.
In fact I'm dropping off some single malt scotch that I hope I can toast with some friends and family when I get there after work. xoxo Wendy

What a great idea! Can't wait to celebrate Laura's joyous spirit with the folks who knew her. Big hug to @ajc and Libby for hosting with their usual generosity.

Art, my boys and I will do whatever you need. They are around Wednesday afternoon, too. I will bake the cake and bring an appetizer. The cake will not have Laura's artistry, but it will be baked with love.

I will be there on the early side (shortly after the service) and will bring an appetizer.

Thanks Wendy, you know I love you too; and you know that politics is just a game I love to play with my PALS on MOL.

BTW, I decided on Thursday, Les Saisons will be a political free zone. It will be a time to reflect on our past experiences with Laura; and to let her children and family know what an incredibly kind and generous person she was, and how much she meant to all of us and to our community...

boomie said:

I plan on attending the viewing but can't make the funeral. I'd really love to come by after work though, for the repast, to be with all of you to celebrate Laura. Art is that ok? I don't care about food and drink but if others are in the same situation perhaps a separate count for that ?

AJC similar for me I am planning to attentd the wake but will have to be at work on Thursday. I will leave early to join at the repast. Could I bring a bottle of wine?
Thanks AJC -- you and Libby are very generous to offer your home.

Art, you're a class act.

I'll try to stop by on Thursday afternoon. Since it will still be passover, don't include me in the food count.

Thanks for doing this, Art & Libby.

Like Boomie, I will have to be at work that day. Can't believe I'll be missing the service for Laura! But I'd love to gather with you all, toasting her and celebrating her life in the after-work hours.

I'll be there to join the "dessert" crew. I'll bring a cake (that will undoubtedly be no comparison to what Laura would whip up), -- and I'm always happy to be part of the "clean up committee".

Joan, Laura would hate people to feel excluded just because of food: can someone bring a Pesachdig fruit platter? And mark it KLP? I'm sure you're not the only one keeping the week.

I'd love to be there and obviously can't. In the music selection, if any prerecorded music is played, could someone include The Seekers; 'The Carnival is Over' (the original version)? You play it towards the end of the event, and you must have the version that has Judith Durham's voice.

Maplegal, Boomie, Juniemoon, et al,

We know it's a work day and too many people would not be able to attend an 11 a.m. funeral and an early afternoon repast. This is why we decided to keep the repast open until the last person leaves, no matter what time, or how late that is.

Also, I spoke to Tommy today and some family members may stay over at the B&B, so it just made perfect sense to do it this way, so everyone would have a chance to pay their respects, regardless of what time they get home from work. If you arrive and see the 150' of lights still on, on the outside gates, you know it's OK to still come on in...

You are amazing, Art. Thanks from us all for doing this.

Now it sounds like (practically) everyone will be going later (?)

Maybe not everyone my dear sac, but the special ones with the best sense of humor. ;-)

I wish I could be there with you all. I'm not up on the local bakery scene anymore.... If I wanted to send some cupcakes, etc., who do you recommend?

Edos on Springfield Avenue or Able Baker on Maplewood Avenue.

Saw this on facebook...for all who are not on it. What a way to celebrate her.

Preparation for wake and funeral for Laura Grace Stammers Nichols - put away your black clothes and pull out the color! As a woman of many colors, my kids and I, and her partner Dan Pupke, all feel it will make Laura happy if we all wear vibrant color (and pattern and texture!) for her wake nights and funeral morning (April 7,8,9). Of course, you can wear whatever you like, but this will explain why you may see all of us in clothes that might not be typical for your average funeral... smile emoticon

wendy said:

Maybe not everyone my dear sac, but the special ones with the best sense of humor. ;-)

hmmmm! I guess I need to work on mine, huh?

sac said:

wendy said:

Maybe not everyone my dear sac, but the special ones with the best sense of humor. ;-)

hmmmm! I guess I need to work on mine, huh?

You're doing just fine my friend. No need to work on yours, really! We all have our strengths and weaknesses too as our mutual friend Laura would be the first to point out, laugh at and hug us for. xoxo

@ajc - Art, I'm PMing you.

wendy said:

Maybe not everyone my dear sac, but the special ones with the best sense of humor. ;-)

or the ones with jobs....

Some of us have jobs but also are lucky enough to have flexible schedules.

The_Soulful_Mr_T said:

wendy said:

Maybe not everyone my dear sac, but the special ones with the best sense of humor. ;-)

or the ones with jobs....

Or the ones who are posers in some way or the other.


:-D

But really, I can't wait to toast a few with all of you in honor of the genuinely lovely but snarky Laura Nichols.

I did just drop off at Art and Libby's some Matzoh (from Joan) and some single malt scotch and some home made mandel bread.

Love to all,
Wendy

@Art, I think I have a photo album or two - shall I bring for the pictures people are encouraged to bring?
I know Lars is doing a scrap book but maybe nice to have to also give to Laura's loved ones.
I plan to come after the funeral

^^^ Please do bring the pictures. I am sure the family would love to see them and so would the rest of us.

@ajc- Do you need help setting up before family and guests arrive?

I didn't know Laura but seeing everyone's comments just proves what a special lady she was..

Art, If you want to track who's going and who's bringing what, you can use Punchbowl Invitations (www.punchbowl.com) and choose the "potluck" option. When people RSVP they'll be able to select the item they're bringing. Just wanted to offer that suggestion in case you were interested.

Art, count me in as a later attendee!

@dave @jamie
We are doing a pretty good job keeping this front and center but please consider making this a sticky/announcement as you already did for the two other threads about Laura and her family. Thanks!

Suggestion to those bringing food. Please bring the food in containers you don't need returned. This will make it easier for Art and Libby and those who are cleaning up, etc. as well as making it easier for the family to take with them any leftovers should they want it. Any leftovers beyond that will be brought to a food pantry the next day (thanks to Joan Crystal for identifying such pantries and giving me contact info!).